Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas Day had the perfect ending - dinner with extended family, The Grants. This year was trickier than the last couple as we had two little ones running around. While the older cousins enjoyed catching up, the little cousins truly enjoyed getting to know one another. This is the third year we've spent with the Grants and, I must say, it is a tradition I quite like!

Kaden overseeing the turkey carving.

The crazy family.

The boys getting a pre-supper snack.

Belting it out on the piano - quite the duo (or foursome, I should say).

Ah...Christmas morning! Kaden didn't know what to think, but he had a grand time. The Christmas tree, normally the focus of our decorations, was a pitiful display this year. The lack of ornaments (every time I went to put them up, Kaden followed right behind taking them off), and the crooked star looked far from festive. In place of ornaments, we put up all the Christmas cards we received. While I know we will go back to the traditional ornaments next year, the cards were perfect this year. Kaden loves photos and naming people he recognizes. So, everyday, Kaden circled the tree pointing to all the photos and looking to me for all the names. His favorites, of course, were the ones that featured kids like him! A fun way to see people that he doesn't get to see very often and a great way to display all the beautiful cards we received this year!

Stockings - if you ask me, one of the most fun parts of Christmas morning.

Kaden loved opening all the loot that Santa left for him!

Kaden's "big gift" was a kitchen from Gammi and Poppi.

How many adults does it take to assemble a grocery cart? Thank goodness Kaden was there to help!

Kaden mastered the dunk within seconds...shooting may take a bit longer.

With all of the unopened toys from Kaden's first birthday, and the several gifts he received from family, friends, and Santa (of course), Kevin and I got away with purchasing only clothes, stocking stuffers, and a book, "Heads." Turns out, he really, really likes the book - his favorite part is when the elephant sneezes green goo all over the monkey...he is such a boy!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve at the Flynn household was exactly as it should be - we visited Santa, saw some carolers, had a yummy steak dinner, read "The Night Before Christmas," assembled some toys and, most importantly, enjoyed quality family time.

Neither Santa or Kaden look too thrilled about this photo shoot - I kidded that Santa needed a little cheer (maybe in the form of a festive drink or two?). After that long line of children, many who appeared more afraid that excited, who wouldn't?

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Our dear friends, the Willoughbys, invited us to spend a long weekend with them and another couple at their home in Park City, Utah. Seeing that Kevin has never been skiing before, we jumped on the offer. We set off for the slopes on Wednesday, December 15th and stayed through Kevin's birthday on the 19th. Kevin and I decided to snowboard so that we would both be on the same level - a team building exercise, if you will. So, on Thursday and Friday, we enrolled in snowboarding school. By Saturday, we were at Level III! We aren't entirely sure what that means, but it surely includes falling often, massive bumps and bruises, general soreness, and a temper-tantrum or two. Kevin's first experience on the slopes was a definite success!

A photo of us in our borrowed gear - not the cutest couple on the mountain.

Kaden, on the other hand, didn't enjoy the snow one little bit. I can't figure out if it was the giant snowsuit, the 12"+ of snow, or the freezing temperatures, but whatever it was, he hated it. I am hopeful that once he is able to move a little better, he will have more fun. As it was, he was content staying inside playing with his friends.

So long as he wasn't down in the snow, he was a happy guy. He loved watching the snowflakes fall.

And, the kissing was out of control! Our little lover boy relished the attention from the two pretty girls.

Kevin wants me to note that the pajamas in the above photo were on loan. Since Kaden's room was so cold fleece was necessary - even if it was pink kitty cat fleece!

The adults enjoyed a night out on the town having drinks and dinner at the St. Regis in Deer Valley.

We also took the kids out to Main Street one night to see all the lights - boy was it cold! The kids didn't last long.

One of the most fun adventures of the weekend was a sleigh ride up the mountain side. It was cold but beautiful out and the sleigh was pulled by two beautiful Clydesdale horses complete with sleigh bells and toasty blankets.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

This is a VERY tardy post of the fun times we had with Papa and Ba Noi when they came to visit in early November. Kaden loved having them as guests at his music and swim classes - he put on quite a show for them - while Kevin and I just generally enjoyed their company. Their visit even allowed me to take a solo trip to St. Louis for a friend's wedding!

HPF

KPF

KPF

Our Family Blog

Inspired by a friend who blogs about her children's adventures, I've decided to record our boys' experiences and milestones in a similar manner. I'm hopeful that my friends and family have half as much fun viewing our life as I have had reading about the Jefferies Family. While our blog may not be half as witty, I hope it is just as charming. More than anything, I hope it is a way for "far-away" family to feel as if they are sharing in our life.